Brush



.h m 30, 1931. s.' TAVAUN 1,812,457

BRUSH A Filed may 15, 1930 2 sheets-sheety 1 June 30, 1931. s.1'AvALlN 1,812,457

BRUSH Filed May 15,l 1950 2 sheets-sheet 2 INVENTOR r CORNEY Patented June 30, 1931 PATENT OFFICE SAMUEL TAVALIN, OF ASTORIA, NEW kYORK BRUSH Application filed May 15,y 19x30. serial No. 452,552.

The present invention yrelates to brushes and more particularly to an improvedl fountain brush. y

It is customary to wash the wheelsfand mudguards of motor vehicles byspraying water thereon. In most instances, mud has been splashed on the wheelsand has caked thereon, in which case the wheels are extremely difficult to clean and it is necessary to apply a brush in conjunction with the waterfto remove the foreign substances. The person cleaning the car must use both a water hose and a brush at the same time. Such procedure isl inconvenient and cumbersome. Y

Various brushes have been devised, which have means for spraying water from the brush member. These constructions generally comprise a hollow block having bristles bound therein, apertures intermediate the bristles, la cover member adapted to seal the hollow reservoir, and means connecting a supply of water to the reservoir. A vgasket usually extends substantially about the periphery of the cover to make a water-tight seal between the block and the cover. A relatively large and expensive gasket is necessary because it is the sole seal holding the water in the brush. Such a gasket must be replaced frequently because any leak will impair the brush. The bindings of the bristles of the brush extend directly into the reservoir and are constantly subjected to the liquid, which impairs the bindings and causes the bristles to fall out, thus shortening the useful life of the brush. These, and other defects, render such brushes impractical.

The present invention aims to eliminate the diiiculties enumerated above by providing a member within the block of the brush adapted to distribute a fluid through conduits within, and preferably centrally disposed with respect to the individual bristle members. A 'liquid reservoir is omitted entirely and the bindings of the brushes are kept 'substantially dry at all times, whereby the life of the brush is increased substantially and its effectiveness in removing dirt is enhanced.

An object of .the present invention is to provide an inexpensive fountain brush adapted to spray a stream of water effectively and efhciently through the brush members.

:Another object of the invention is to eliminate the use of reservoirs by providing distributing means which connect directly with the hose and extend through the brush members, whereby the bindings of the bristles are kept substantially dry at all times.

Another object of the invention is to eliminate expensive gaskets by providing means wherein leaks `have little effect and replacements can be made at a very slight cost.

A further object of the invention is to provide a brush construction having a set of permanent bristles in the block portion and a plurality of replaceablev brush members forming a substantial part yof the brush, which is subjected to the most Wear, to facilitate replacement of worn parts.

Other and further objects of the invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiment about to be described, or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.

A preferred embodiment of the invention has been chosen for purposes of illustration and description and is shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification, wherein Fig. l is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the brush construction with the cover portion partially broken away to show the assembled members within the brush;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3 3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view illustrating the block of the brush with the cover and liquid connections removed;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective View of the distributing member; and

Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective View of one of the brush members.

, Referring again to the drawings, and more particularl to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, there is shown a bloc member 1, constructed of hard wood, bakelite, or like material,hav ing a recessed portion 2 formed in theupper surface thereof to provide a suitablel casing for devices to be described hereinafter. The block may be of any desired shape, butlis shown herein as substantially rectangular or oblong. A ridge 4 extends about the recessed portion V2 and merges into theV body ofl the block at 5 and 6, respectively. A channel or groove 7 extends longitudinally through the front end' of the block and along the bottomof the recess 2, providing a channel for a-handle and itsassociated parts encased in the recess 2. A shoulder 9', formed Vat'the lower sides of the block 1, extends about the periphery thereof and facilitates the application of a suitable cover to' the side portions 10' immediately'above and: in line withthe shoulder 9. Y

v A plurality of openings 11 are provided inthe block adjacent the; inner side walls of Y the ridge 4, preferably in two rows, extending about the outer periphery of the recessed portion 2. The openings 11 are adapted to receive a -series of bristles 12, which are bound orV glued'therein in any suitable man- At the central portion ofthe recess or casing'2, a pluralityof enlarged openings 14 are provided, herein shown as five in number.. These openings extend transversely through the block 1 and' are adapted to.

receive a corresponding number of brush members 15, which are preferably secured therein by a suitable adhesive or rubberizedcompound.V The brushmeinbers 15 occupy substantially` the central portion. of the brushr and are adjacent the outer and@y smaller bristle units 12l disposed in the openings 11. It will-,of course, be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particularnumber of brush members asV any con-V Yvenient number may be used, depending upon thesize ofv the block. The central brush members 15 are slightly klonger than' the brush members 12 and, hence, are adapted to do theV bull; ofthe brushing operation.

Fig. 6iservesto illustrate the details of one of the brush members of the embodiment. These members are adapted to permit a stream of fluid to bespra'yed through the bristles 'thereof and, to achieve this result, the brush members 15 comprisea small metal. tube 16" having bristles 17 securely bound thereabout in any suitable manner. The width ofthe binding wrapper 19, utilized herein,- lcorresponds to the thickness ofy the block 1 at the apertures 14, so that the members 15 may be suitabliy fastened thereto and be readily removed andreplaced. Prefertherein, or

shielding the binding from the water, the y life thereof is prolonged.

In order to distribute Va fluid such as water or cleaning solution Vto theV conduits 16 there is provided a tube or pipe 20, which serves as the handle for the Vbrush and is adapted tov be encased within the recess 2 and the groove 7. i The handle 20 has, at itsY forward end 21, a series of branch members 22 spaced to t into the Vconduits 16 within v the brush membersvl. The branches 2.2

may be connected to the tube 20 by providing apertures 241 in the tube and sol-dering or brazing ofthe tube 25 maybe closed byl a suitable cap 26 having a branch memberfdisposed in any other suitable manner. Preferably, the tube andthe branch members are constructedv ofy a serviceable metal, such as copper, which is strong` and durable and will not be affected by corrosion. Y

The branch members may comprise arelatively small copper tube bent into the shape of an elbow, having one endV secured to the main tube 20 and 'having the free end or nipple 427 projecting downwardly` to lit in to the conduits16'. The outer diameter'of the nipple portions 27 isl slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the conduits 1.6, thus permitting the nipples 27 to `be inserted therein. Above the nipple portions 27 of therbranches, flange portions 29 are provided to support suitable gasket members 30. When the tube 2O is assembled within the casing 2,-the nipples project downwardly into the conduits 16 and the gaskets are compressed between the flanges 29- and the upper ends of the conduits toform a seal therewith. The li uid-tight joints between the nipples andtu'es L16 prevent access of water to the upper ends of the brushes 15 and to the binding material therein.- They also eliminate the necessity for a liquid-tight enclosure aboutv the recess 2. The tube 20 may be fastened to the block 1 by means of a strip of metal 31 extending about the tube and fastened by suitable screws 32 to the block. n

The tube 20 may be of any convenient length, the portionthereof extending outwardly beyond the block serving as a handle for theV brush. Substantially at the end of the tube, a grip member 35,- preferably of rubberis provided to facilitateholding the handle. At the end of the tube, a` threaded portion is provided, which is adapted to engage. a coupling 37 attached tov a hose 39.

AV valve or pet coclr 4Q may be connected. in

the branches therein The tipy the hose line adjacent to the coupling for the person using the brush to regulate the water supply delivered thereto.

To complete the construction of the casing, a removable cover 41, preferably formed of thin metal, is provided. The cover comprises a top portion 42 `and a depending peripheral skirt`44 adapted to be telescoped vabout the side portion 10 above the shoulder 9 of the block. A slot 45 is provided in the skirt at the groove 7 to permit the tube 2O to pass outwardly therethrough. The cover 41 is secured to the block by suitable screws 46 extending through the skirt 44 into the side walls of the block. In this manner, the cover may be readily removed lto inspect or replace the brushes or other parts.

To insure a leak-proof construction, a`

suitable gasket 47 is interposed between the cover and the ridge 4 and the body of the block at 5 and k6. A packing 48 may also be provided at the groove 7 between the brush block and the pipe 20. The gasket 47 and packing 48 form a substantial double seal about the distributing members but are not necessary as the seal between the branches 22 and tubes 16 issufiicient to render the construction water-tight. j

In using the brush, the parts thereof are assembled as indicated in the drawings. The hose 39 is connected to ay suitable supply of water or soap solution and the liquid therein is permitted to iiow through the hose. The valve 40 is then regulated to obtain the desired pressure within the pipe or tube 20. lThe liquid iiows directly fromthe tube 20 through the branches 22 to the` tubes 16 which spray the liquid through the brush members 15. The brush is then gripped by the handle 2O at the holding member 35 and manipulated in the proper manner to brush the surface desired to be cleaned. If more or less water is required, the valve 40 can readily be adjusted without interrupting the brushing operation.

It will be seen that the present invention provides an inexpensive fountain brush construction which is particularly adapted to be used for scrubbing mud spattered surfaces, such as automobile bodies, fenders and the like. The liquid is` distributed to the brush member and is sprayed therethrough in an eiiicient manner, whereby leaks are eliminated and the wear of the brushes is mini- 'mized By connecting the tube 20 directly to the small tubes 16 extending through the brushes, the bindings of the bristles are not As various changes may be made in the form, construction and 'arrangement of parts herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without sacrificing its advantages, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a brush, the combination of a block having bristles permanently secured therein, a plurality of apertures in said block, brush members disposed in said apertures, said members comprising a tube having bristles circumferentially secured thereabout, and a pipe member connected to a supply of water by suitable means, said pipe having a plural-A ity of branches adapted to engage said conduits within said brush members, whereby Water may be ejected through said brush members.

2. In a brush, the combination of a block having bristles permanently secured therein, a plurality of apertures in the central portion of said block, removable brush members disposed in said apertures, said members comprising a metal tube extending below the binding of said brush member having bristles circumferentially secured thereabout, and a pipe member connected to a supply of water' by suitable means, said pipe having a plurality of distributing branches adapted to engage said conduits within said brush members, whereby water may be ejected through said brush members.

8. In a brush, the combination of a block, a plurality of brush members disposed in said block, some of said members having a conduit in the central portion thereof, and

means for dispensing cleaning solutions through said brushes, said means comprising a pipe member secured to said block with a plurality of distributing branches projecting therefrom, flange portions on said branches, and sealing means for forming a liquid-tight seal between said distributing branches and conduits within said brush members.

4. In a brush, the combination of a block, a plurality of brush members disposed in said block, some of said members having a conduit in the central portion thereof eX- tending below the butt of said members, and means for dispensing cleaning solutions through said members, said means comprising a pipe member secured to said block with a plurality of distributing branches proj ectingtherefrom, flange port-ions on said branches, and sealing means for forming a liquid-tight seal between said distributing branches and conduits within said brush members, and rows of brush members eX- tending about said lirst mentioned brush members.

5. In a brush of the class described, the

combination Votra blockr member, a pipe encased insaid member for dispensing uids through the bristles of said brush, afpluralityl of. distributing members secured to said pipe, and a plurality of brush members adapted to receive said distributing members, whereby said fluid may be discharged through saidbrush.

6. In a brush of the class described, the combination of a tube for dispensing a Huid,

said tube having a plurality of branches ar- Y Yranged in pairs and extending transversely thereof', a: plurality of removable brush units mounted below said tube comprising suitable bristles, and a metal tube extending through the central portion of said bristles and passing below thebinding thereof, and means for connecting said branches and conduits. 2U y '7".A In a brush of the class described, the combination of a. block having a recessed portion therein, brush members mounted in said block, certain oit' said brush mei bers having conduitsV therein, a tube disposed in 251 said recessed portion having means adapted to be connected tosaid conduits within said' brush membersand acover portion adapted' f to close said recessed' portion of the block.

87. Ina scrubbing brush of the class de- 3'0 scribed, the rcombi-nation of block member means for dispensing cleaningy solutions, said1 means comprising a pipe member, a plurality of distributing members secured to said pipe, flange portions on said members, f and a suitable gasket mounted below said iiange portions adapted to abut thereagainst, and a plurality of brush members mounted in said block member having tubes therein adaptedto receivev first said conduits, where Y 40 by the cleaning solution may be dispensed through said brushes.

9. In a brush of the class described, the combination of a plurality of brush members having cond-uitstherein, a pipe member adapted to be connected to a source of fluid, a plurality of hollow downwardly projecting members arranged bilaterally with respect to said pipe, and means for connecting said projecting members directly to said 5oV conduits. Y Y

10.*Ina brush of the class described, the combination of a block member, a pipe adaptedy to serve as a handle forV the brush, tubular branches leading` from said pipe, a

series of brush units having a tube with bristles secured thereabout disposed in said block member, said tubes being adapted to v receive the ends of said tubular branches, and means for forming liquid-tight joints between said branches and' said tubes.

sAMUEL TAVALIN. 

